Mahoney leaves cast of Steppenwolf 'Penelope'

John Mahoney, a marquee member of the cast of the upcoming Steppenwolf Theatre Company production of Enda Walsh's "Penelope," dropped out of the show Tuesday.

Mahoney is returning to Manchester, England, where he grew up, following a death in his family.

A Steppenwolf spokesman said that the theater was in the process of casting a replacement. "Our hearts and prayers go out to John at this difficult time," said Steppenwolf artistic director Martha Lavey.